Introduction
Gout is a disease that is due to a malfunction of the purine metabolism and runs in waves. Patients suffering from gout should consult a physician promptly and initiate appropriate treatment, as this disease can lead to the deposition of uric acid crystals (so-called urate) in various joints and tissues if insufficient therapy is given. It is precisely this urate deposition which, over time, induces resorption of bone substance near the joint and various cartilage changes.
In the long term, the function of the kidney as an excretory organ can also be considerably impaired. The consequence is often the development of renal insufficiency, which can lead to chronic renal insufficiency in the further course. While the damage to the kidneys progresses painlessly over a long period of time, the affected patients suffer from severe pain in the joints at an early stage. In general, acute gout is distinguished from the chronic form, which develops after several attacks have occurred.
Gout attack – General
An attack of gout (acute gout) usually results in acute onset of severe pain in the affected joints. These joints react to tactile stimuli by intensifying the pain. Visually, the areas affected by the attack of poison can be recognized by the appearance of severe redness and swelling.
In addition, the affected joints are clearly overheated. In addition to these locally limited symptoms, general symptoms of illness can also be observed during an acute attack of gout, which are due to the inflammatory processes taking place within the affected joints. The typical conspicuous features of an acute attack of gout include inflammatory symptoms such as In addition, most of the affected patients have an excessively high uric acid level in the blood.
However, since the increase in uric acid concentration in the blood does not necessarily occur with every acute attack of gout, a normal value is not a criterion for exclusion of this disease. With appropriate treatment, a gout attack can be quickly brought under control, but if therapy is not carried out, it can last for several days and severely restrict the patient. During the gout attack, numerous attacks can occur, which can increase both in duration and intensity.
- Fever
- An increase in the concentration of white blood cells in serum (leukocytosis)
